Discover the Best Lemon Crumb Bars Recipe for a Tangy Delight

Introduction to Lemon Crumb Bars

Get ready to pucker up and indulge in the delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors with these irresistible Lemon Crumb Bars! This decadent dessert features a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a creamy lemon filling – a heavenly treat that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Table of Contents

What Are Lemon Crumb Bars?

Lemon Crumb Bars are a classic lemon dessert that combines a shortbread-like crust with a rich, tangy lemon filling. The contrast of the crisp, crumbly topping and the silky smooth lemon custard creates a delightful texture and flavor profile that’s hard to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of all things lemon, then this Lemon Crumb Bars recipe is definitely for you! Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but the end result is a dreamy, citrusy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a refreshing treat on a hot summer day or looking to end a meal on a bright, tangy note, these bars are sure to satisfy.

Ingredients for Lemon Crumb Bars

To make these mouthwatering Lemon Crumb Bars, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Let’s break down the list:

For the Crust

• 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

For the Lemon Filling

• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ⅔ cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)

Instructions for Making Lemon Crumb Bars

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Make the Crust

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder. Stir in the melted and cooled butter until the mixture is crumbly. Reserve 1½ cups of the crust mixture for the topping, then press the remaining crust firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.

Bake the Crust

Bake the crust for 12–15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Remove the pan from the oven and let the crust cool slightly.

Prepare the Lemon Filling

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, heavy cream, salt, and fresh lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Bars

Pour the lemon filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Crumble the reserved crust mixture over the top of the filling.

Bake

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the filling is set.

Cool and Chill

Allow the Lemon Crumb Bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.

Serve

Cut the chilled bars into squares and serve them up! These perfectly sweet, tangy, and crumbly treats are sure to delight any lemon dessert lover.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Crumb Bars

Choosing the Right Lemons

For the best flavor, use fresh, juicy lemons rather than bottled lemon juice. Look for lemons that are heavy for their size and have a bright, glossy skin. Avoid any lemons that are dull or shriveled, as they may be drier and less flavorful.

Storage Tips

Once baked and chilled, Lemon Crumb Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months, making them a great make-ahead dessert option.

Serving Suggestions

These Lemon Crumb Bars are delicious on their own, but you can also top them with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. They also pair beautifully with fresh berries or a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Nutritional Information

Caloric Breakdown

Each serving of Lemon Crumb Bars contains approximately 300 calories, with the majority of those calories coming from the crust and the sweetened condensed milk in the filling.

Health Benefits of Lemons

Lemons are a great source of vitamin C, which is an important antioxidant that can help boost the immune system. They also contain small amounts of other essential vitamins and minerals, making them a relatively healthy ingredient in this indulgent dessert.

Variations of Lemon Crumb Bars

Adding Fruits

For a twist on the classic Lemon Crumb Bars, you can try adding other citrus fruits like limes or oranges, or even mixed berries to the filling. The possibilities are endless when it comes to playing with different fruit flavors.

Gluten-Free Options

To make these bars gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the amount of butter or other ingredients slightly to achieve the right texture.

Vegan Alternatives

For a dairy-free and vegan version of Lemon Crumb Bars, use a plant-based milk or cream in the filling, and substitute the butter in the crust with a vegan butter or coconut oil. You can also try using a vegan sweetened condensed milk alternative.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Lemon Meringue Pie
• Lemon Pudding Cake
• Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to know if lemon bars are done baking?

The Lemon Crumb Bars are done when the top is lightly golden and the filling is set. You can also check for slight jiggling in the center, which should be minimal. Once they reach this stage, they’re ready to come out of the oven.

How long do lemon bars stay good for?

Properly stored, Lemon Crumb Bars can last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months, making them a great make-ahead dessert option.

Can lemon bars be kept at room temperature?

While Lemon Crumb Bars can be left at room temperature for a short period of time, they are best stored in the refrigerator. The lemon filling is perishable, so it’s important to keep the bars chilled to prevent spoilage.

How long do lemon bars need to set?

After baking, the Lemon Crumb Bars need to cool completely at room temperature, and then they should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to fully set and the flavors to meld together.

Conclusion

Recap of the Recipe

Lemon Crumb Bars are a delightful dessert that combines a buttery, crumbly crust with a tangy, creamy lemon filling. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for lemon lovers, offering a refreshing and indulgent treat that’s sure to impress.

Encouragement to Try This Recipe

If you’re craving a bright, citrusy dessert that’s both sweet and tangy, look no further than these irresistible Lemon Crumb Bars. Give this recipe a try and get ready to savor the perfect balance of flavors in every bite. Your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you!

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